Small scale SAN architectures can be built by using a low cost, non-blocking, line rate, and low latency fixed stand-alone SAN switch that connects both storage and host ports. Medium to large-scale SAN architectures that are built with SAN core directors can expand 32-Gbps connectivity to the server rack by using these switches either in switch mode or Network Port Virtualization mode. Additionally, investing in this switch in the server rack provides a first day option of upgrading to 32-Gbps server connectivity using the 32-Gbps HBAs that are already available in the market.

Small scale SAN architectures can be built by using a low cost, non-blocking, line rate, and low latency fixed stand-alone SAN switch that connects both storage and host ports. Medium to large-scale SAN architectures that are built with SAN core directors can expand 32-Gbps connectivity to the server rack by using these switches either in switch mode or Network Port Virtualization mode. Additionally, investing in this switch in the server rack provides a first day option of upgrading to 32-Gbps server connectivity using the 32-Gbps HBAs that are already available in the market.

Capital Expenditure (CapEx) savings: The 32-Gbps ports allow users to deploy them on existing 16/8/4-Gbps transceivers, reducing initial CapEx with an option to upgrade to 32 Gbps transceivers and adapters in the future.

High availability: IBM Storage Networking SAN32C-6 switches continue to deliver the same outstanding availability and reliability as previous generation IBM Storage Networking c-type switches by providing optional redundancy on all major components such as power supplies and fans. Dual power supplies allow power grid redundancy.

Pay-as-you-grow: The IBM Storage Networking SAN32C-6 switch provides an option to deploy as few as eight 32-Gbps FC ports in the entry level variant, which can grow by eight ports to 16 ports, and thereafter with a port expansion module with sixteen 32-Gbps ports, for a maximum of 32 ports. This approach results in lower initial investment and power consumption for entry level configurations of up to 16 ports when compared to a fully loaded switch. Upgrading through the use of an expansion module also reduces the overhead of managing multiple instances of port activation licenses on the switch.

Virtual machine awareness: The IBM Storage Networking SAN32C-6 provides visibility to all virtual machines (VMs) that are logged into the fabric. This feature is available through HBAs capable of priority tagging the Virtual Machine Identifier (VMID) on every FC frame.

Self-contained advanced anticounterfeiting technology: The IBM Storage Networking SAN32C-6 uses on-board hardware that protects the entire system from malicious attacks by securing access to critical components such as the bootloader, system image loader, and Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) interface.

Main benefits

The new 32-Gbps fabric switches address the requirement for highly scalable, virtualized, intelligent storage area networking (SAN) infrastructure in current generation data center environments. The industry is already poised to transition to 32-Gbps fixed switches with the availability of 32-Gbs HBAs and storage arrays from vendors. Additionally, as low-latency flash arrays and highly dense virtualization deployments become more pervasive, fixed switches will be expected to provide 32-Gbps connectivity to the SAN core.

This solution offers several important benefits:

Server Port consolidation: The demand for 32-Gbps fabric switches is driven by hyper-scale virtualizations that will significantly increase the virtual machine (VM) density per rack, and this growth will push the need for higher bandwidth HBA ports per rack of blade or stand-alone servers. One way to meet this demand is for 32-Gbps HBA ports to consolidate the current 16-Gbps HBA installed base to meet future needs to grow the number of ports. As a result, the IBM Storage Networking SAN32C-6, with its lower port density, can be a preferred solution and its flexibility to grow can be an added advantage.

Scale and performance: This small form factor switch supports the performance and scale required to deploy a dedicated and stand-alone Fibre Channel SAN connecting both initiators and targets, without requiring any other switching infrastructure.

Table 1 on page 5 describes optional licenses that can be purchased to enable additional features and capabilities on the IBM Storage Networking SAN32C-6.

Table 1. Optional licenses

License type

Feature Code

Description

IBM Storage Networking SAN32C-6 Enterprise Package - eDelivery

AJJC

This feature includes advanced traffic-engineering and network security features such as IVR, QoS and zone-based QoS, Fibre Channel Security Protocol (FC-SP), port security, traffic encryption, VSAN-based access control, and fabric binding for open systems. Licensed per switch for all the ports on the switch.

IBM Storage Networking SAN32C-6 DCNM Advanced Edition - eDelivery

AJJD

This feature includes advanced management capabilities such as VMware vCenter integration, performance trending, advanced provisioning, backup, reports, and dashboards. Licensed per switch for all the ports on the switch. License is either hosted on the server or on each switch.

Special Notices

This material has not been submitted to any formal IBM test and is published AS IS. It has not been the subject of rigorous review. IBM assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness. The use of this information or the implementation of any of these techniques is a client responsibility and depends upon the client's ability to evaluate and integrate them into the client's operational environment.